Office workwall system

ABSTRACT

An office workwall assembly includes a work frame assembly that includes a pair of vertical frame members, a horizontal frame member extending between and operably coupled to the pair of vertical frame members, wherein the pair of vertical frame members each include at least one longitudinally-extending channel. The frame assembly further includes a pair of frame mounting bracket secured within the at least one channel by at least one mechanical fastener and adapted to be secured to a wall structure and support the frame assembly from the wall structure, wherein the vertical frame members may be vertically, horizontally and/or angularly adjusted with respect to the mounting bracket positioned within the channel. The workwall assembly also includes an office utility assembly operably coupled with and supported by the pair of vertical frame members, wherein the office utility assembly is cantilevered from the frame assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/349,672, filed on May 28, 2010, entitled “OFFICEWORKWALL SYSTEM,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an office workwall assembly, and inparticular to a workwall assembly that comprises a frame assemblymountable to a wall structure and adapted to support office utilitiesassemblies thereon, such as shelving assemblies, storage assemblies, anddrawer assemblies

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is to provide an office workwallassembly that comprises a frame assembly comprising a pair of verticalframe members, at least one horizontal frame member extending betweenand operably coupled to the pair of vertical frame members, wherein atleast a select one of a group comprising a pair of vertical framemembers and the at least one horizontal frame member includes at leastone longitudinally-extending channel, and at least one frame mountingbracket positioned within the at least one channel by at least onemechanical fastener and adapted to be secured to a wall structure andsupport the frame assembly from a wall structure, and wherein the atleast select one of frame member may be adjusted in at least a selectone of a vertical direction and a horizontal direction with the at leastone frame mounting member positioned within the at least one channel.The office workwall assembly further comprises an office utilityassembly operably coupled with and supported by the pair of verticalframe members, wherein the office utility assembly is cantilevered fromthe frame assembly.

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an office workwallassembly that comprises a frame assembly comprising a pair of verticalframe members each including a first longitudinally-extending channeland a second longitudinally-extending channel, and at least onehorizontal frame member extending between and operably coupled to thepair of vertical frame members. The frame assembly further comprises apair of frame mounting brackets each having a first portion adapted tobe secured to a wall structure and a second portion extendingsubstantially orthogonal to the first portion and secured within thefirst channel of the vertical frame members by at least one mechanicalfastener, and a pair of support members telescopingly received withinthe second channel of the vertical frame member, each support memberincluding a plurality of apertures spaced along a length thereof thatare adapted to receive mechanical fasteners therein. The office workwallassembly further comprises an office utility assembly including a shelfsurface and a pair of support brackets coupled with the shelf surfaceand operably coupled with and supported by the mechanical fastenersreceived within the apertures of the pair of support members, whereinthe office utility assembly is cantilevered from the frame assembly.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method forsecuring an office workwall assembly to a wall structure comprisingproviding a frame assembly that comprises a pair of vertical framemembers, wherein at least a select one of a group comprising the pair ofthe vertical frame members and the horizontal frame members include atleast one longitudinally-extending channel, at least one horizontalframe member extending between and operably coupled to the pair ofvertical frame members, and a pair of mounting members each having afirst portion and a second portion extending substantially orthogonallyfrom the first portion. The method also includes providing an officeutility assembly including a shelf surface and a pair of supportbrackets coupled to the shelf surface, and securing the first portion ofeach of the frame mounting brackets to the wall structure. The methodfurther includes aligning the at least one of the frame members with theat least one mounting bracket such that the second portion of the atleast one mounting bracket is received within the at least one channelof the at least select one of the frame members, adjusting at least oneof a vertical position and a horizontal position of the at least selectone of the frame members with respect to the at least one mountingbracket subsequent to the alignment of the at least select one of theframe members with the at least one frame member, securing the pair ofvertical frame members to the pair of mounting brackets by a pluralityof mechanical fasteners, and supporting the office utility assembly fromthe frame assembly by operably coupling the pair of support bracketswith the pair of vertical frame members.

The present inventive office workwall assembly includes a design thatmay be assembled and secured to an associated wall surface with standardtools by even relatively unskilled personnel. The workwall assembly isefficient in assembly, economical to manufacture, capable of a longoperating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understoodand appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to thefollowing written specification, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the office workwall assembly embodyingthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a frame assembly of the office workwallassembly;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of a first vertical framemember taken along the line III-III, FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of the first verticalframe member taken along the line III-III, FIG. 2, with a mountingbracket skewed with respect to the vertical frame member;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of a second vertical framemember taken along the line IV-IV, FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional bottom plan view of the second verticalframe member taken along the line IV-IV, FIG. 2, with a mount bracketskewed with respect to the vertical frame member;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a horizontal frame member takenalong the line V-V, FIG. 2;

FIG. 6A is an exploded perspective view of a corner assembly of theframe assembly of the area VI, FIG. 1;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a connector member;

FIG. 7A is an exploded perspective view of a vertical member tohorizontal member connection assembly of the area VII, FIG. 1;

FIG. 7B is an exploded perspective view of an alternative verticalmember to horizontal member connection assembly of the area VII, FIG. 1;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a frame mounting bracket of the frameassembly;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an end of an alternative frame mountingbracket of the frame assembly;

FIG. 9 is perspective view of the horizontal frame member and thevertical frame member of the frame assembly of the area IX, FIG. 2, aplurality of frame mounting brackets being shown in phantom line;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a shelf assembly;

FIG. 11 is a partial rear elevational view of the first embodiment ofthe shelf assembly;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the firstembodiment of the shelf assembly;

FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of the shelfassembly;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the shelfassembly;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a support bracket of the secondembodiment of the shelf assembly;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the shelfassembly;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a mounting bracket of the thirdembodiment of the shelf assembly;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a drawer assembly;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the drawer assembly with a top shelfmember of the drawer assembly removed to show the inner workings of thedrawer assembly;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a storage assembly;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the storage assembly showing the innerworkings thereof;

FIG. 22 is a bottom plan view of the storage assembly with a bottom wallof the storage assembly removed to show the inner workings thereof;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a side guide bracket of the storageassembly;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a rear guide bracket of the storageassembly;

FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view of a panel assembly;

FIG. 26 is a partial top plan view of the panel assembly; and

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an alternative panel assembly withinthe storage assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventiveconcepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions andother physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosedherein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expresslystate otherwise.

The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates an officeworkwall assembly embodying the present invention. In the illustratedexample, the office workwall assembly 10 includes a frame assembly 12secured to and supported by a wall structure 14. The frame assembly 12supports a plurality of shelf assemblies 16, drawer assemblies 18 andstorage assemblies 20 from the wall structure 14. A plurality of panelassemblies 22 may also be supported from the frame assembly 12 andinterspaced with the shelf assemblies 16, the drawer assemblies 18 andthe storage assemblies 20, as well as other assemblies (not shown), suchas desks, tables and other worksurfaces.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, the frame assembly 12 includes a pair ofvertical end frame members 24, a plurality of vertical intermediateframe members 25, and a pair of horizontal frame members 26 extendingbetween and coupled to the vertical end frame members 24 and thevertical intermediate frame members 25. As best illustrated in FIG. 3A,each vertical end frame member 24 is provided a rectangularly-shapedcross-sectional configuration and includes a rearwardly-opening,T-shaped, longitudinally-extending rear channel 28, an inwardly-opening,rectangularly-shaped, longitudinally-extending side channel 30, alongitudinally-extending first interior channel 32 extending alongsidethe side channel 30, and a longitudinally-extending second interiorchannel 34. A longitudinally-extending slot 29 provides access to aninterior of the rear channel 28 along the length of the frame member 24.The outer surface of each of the end vertical frame members 24 isdefined by an outer surface 36, an inner surface 38, a front surface 40and a rear surface 42. Two sets of reinforcement rib pairs 44 extendlongitudinally within the rear channel 28.

Each vertical intermediate frame member 25 (FIG. 4A) is similar inoverall configuration to the vertical frame members 24, and as a result,similar parts referring to vertical frame members 25 in FIG. 3, and tovertical frame members 24 in FIG. 4A, are respectively represented bythe same, corresponding reference numeral except for the suffix “a” inthe numerals of the latter. The most notable exception between theintermediate frame member 25 and the vertical frame member 24 is thatthe channel 32 a of the intermediate frame member 25 opens towards aninterior of the overall frame assembly. Specifically, alongitudinally-extending slot 46 provides access to an interior of thechannel 32. Each vertical frame member 25 includes a relief 47 (FIG. 1)located along the length thereof and extending forwardly from the rearsurface 42 a thereof. Each relief 47 is configured to allowcommunication and power lines to be horizontally routed through theframe assembly 12 between the vertical frame members 25 and the wallstructure 14.

As best illustrated in FIG. 5, each horizontal frame member 26 isprovided a substantially rectangularly-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration and is defined by a top surface 48, a bottom surface 50, afront surface 52 and a rear surface 54. Each horizontal frame member 26includes a forwardly-located interior channel 56, an intermediate,downwardly-opening channel 58 that includes a pair oflongitudinally-extending structural support ribs 60, an intermediateinterior channel 62, and a rearwardly-opening channel 64. Alongitudinally-extending slot 59 provides access to an interior of thechannel 58 along the length of the frame members 26.

The vertical frame members 24 and the horizontal frame members 26 areeach coupled to one another via a corner connector assembly 66 (FIG. 6).The corner connector assembly 66 includes a corner connector 68 thatincludes a rectangular-shaped body portion 70 having a top surface 72,an outer side surface 74, an inner side surface 76, a bottom surface 78,and a front surface 80. A frictional engagement tab 82 extends inwardlyfrom the inner side surface 76 and includes a relief 84 along the lengththereof, so as to allow the frictional engagement tab 82 to elasticallydeform along the length thereof. An engagement tab 86 extends downwardlyfrom the bottom surface 78 and includes an aperture which receives amechanical fastener such as a screw 90 therein during assembly. Inassembly, each vertical frame member 24 is secured to a correspondinghorizontal frame member 26 by inserting the frictional engagement tab 82of the corner connector 68 into the interior channel 62 of thehorizontal frame member 26 until the inner side surface 76 of the bodyportion 70 abuts the horizontal frame member 26. The frictionalengagement tab 82 is configured such that it is frictionally held withinthe channel 62. The engagement tab 86 is inserted into the side channel30 until the bottom surface 78 of the body portion 70 abuts the verticalframe member 24. The screw 90 secures the engagement tab 86 within thechannel 30 by impinging on the vertical frame member 24.

In an alternative embodiment, the corner connector 68 includes a secondengagement tab 92 extending inwardly from the inner side surface 76. Thesecond engagement tab 92 is received within the channel 58 of thehorizontal frame member 26 and is secured thereto via a screw 94received within an aperture 96 of the engagement tab 92 and impinging onthe horizontal frame member 26.

Each horizontal frame member 26 is secured to a vertical intermediateframe member 25 (FIG. 7) at a position along the length of thehorizontal frame member 26 via a connector assembly 97 that includes aconnector member 98 having a rectangularly-shaped first portion 100, anda rectangularly-shaped second portion 102 extending substantiallyorthogonally from the first portion 100 and connected thereto via anecked-down portion 104. The first portion 100 and the second portion102 each include an aperture 106 extending therethrough. In assembly,the first portion 100 is received within the channel 58 of thehorizontal frame member 26 while the second portion 102 is receivedwithin the channel 30A of the vertical frame member 25 such that thenecked-down portion 104 extends through the slot 59 and the slot 31. Thefirst portion 100 and the second portion 102 are secured within channel58 and channel 30 a, respectively, by mechanical fasteners such asscrews 108 that are received within the apertures 106 and impinge uponthe corresponding frame members. It is noted that a mirror image of thisconnector member 98 is positioned within the channel 32 a of eachintermediate frame member 25 and the channel 58 of the horizontal framemember 26 to further secure the intermediate frame member 25 to thehorizontal frame member 26. It is noted that the connector member 98 maybe utilized as a corner connector between vertical frame members 24 andhorizontal frame members 26, wherein the frame members 24, 26 each havemitered end surfaces.

Alternatively, each horizontal frame member 26 (FIG. 7B) is secured tothe vertical intermediate frame members 25 (and vertical frame members24) (FIG. 7B) via a connector assembly 97 a that includes a connectormember 98 a having a rectangularly-shaped first portion 100 a, and apair of rectangularly-shaped second portions 102 a extendingsubstantially orthogonally from the first portion 100 a and eachconnected thereto via a corresponding necked-down portion 104 a. As theelements of the connector assembly 97 a is similar to previouslydescribed connector assembly 97, such that similar elements of FIG. 7Aand FIG. 7B are represented by similar corresponding reference numerals,respectfully, except for the suffix “a” within the latter. The secondportions 102 a each include an aperture 106 a extending therethrough. Inassembly, the first portion 100 a is slidably received within thechannel 58 of the horizontal frame member 26 while the second portions102 a are received within the channel 30A of the corresponding verticalframe member 25 (or vertical frame member 24) such that the necked-downportion 104 a extends through the slot 59 and the slot 31. The secondportions 102 a are secured within channel 58 and channel 30 a,respectively, by mechanical fasteners such as screws 108 a that arereceived within the apertures 106 a and impinge upon the correspondingframe members. It is noted that the connector member 98 a may beutilized as a corner connector between vertical frame members 24 andhorizontal frame members 26, wherein the frame members 24, 26 each havemitered end surfaces.

Alternatively, the vertical frame members 24 and the horizontal framemembers 26 are each coupled to one another via a corner connector 68 b(FIG. 6B). The corner connector 68 b is similar to the previouslydescribed corner connector 68 such that similar reference numerals areutilized in FIG. 6 a and in FIG. 6, except for the use of the suffix “b”within the numerals of the latter. The corner connector 68 b includes arectangular-shaped body portion 70 b having a top surface 72 b, an innerside surface 76 b, a bottom surface 78 b, and a front surface 80 b. Africtional engagement tab 82 b extends inwardly from the inner sidesurface 76 b and includes a relief 84 b along the length thereof, so asto allow the frictional engagement tab 82 b to elastically deform alongthe length thereof. An engagement tab 86 b extends downwardly from thebottom surface 78 b. The body portion 70 b includes a relief 87 b thatprovides clearance for the connector member 98 (FIG. 7) (or theconnector member 98 a (FIG. 7A)), such that the connector member 98 maybe used in conjunction with the corner connector 68 b. Alternatively,each vertical and horizontal frame member could have a mitered profileand a miter joint created at the corner of the frame locked in placewith a connector assembly 97 or 97 a.

The frame assembly 12 further includes a plurality of frame mountingbrackets 110 that are utilized to mount the frame assembly 12 to theassociated wall structure 14. Each frame mounting bracket 110 (FIG. 8A)includes a first portion 112 and a second portion 114 extendingorthogonally from the first portion 112. The first portion 112 and thesecond portion 114 each extend longitudinally along the length of theframe mounting bracket 110 and cooperate to form a T-shapedcross-sectional configuration. The first portion 112 includes aplurality of mounting apertures 116 adapted to receive mechanicalmounting hardware therein, such as mechanical fasteners, such as screws118, to secure the frame mounting bracket 110 to the wall structure 14.The second portion 114 includes a plurality of reliefs 115 along thelength therein wherein the apertures 116 of the first portion 112 arelocated. The second portion 114 further includes a pair of elongatedapertures 117 located near the ends of the frame mounting brackets 110which are adapted to receive mounting hardware therein, as describedbelow. Alternatively, the first portion 112 c (FIG. 8B) of the mountingbracket 110 c includes a pair of longitudinally-extending flanges 111 cthat extend orthogonally inward and increase the structural rigidity ofthe mounting bracket 110 c along the length thereof. The length ofconnector 97 a provides an easy way to ensure the desired spacingbetween intermediate frame members 25 (and vertical frame members 24).

In assembly, the frame mounting brackets 110 are secured to the wallstructure 14 via a plurality of screws 118. Corresponding vertical framemembers 24, 25 are then aligned with the mounting brackets 110 such thatthe mounting brackets 110 are located within the slot 29, 29 a of thevertical frame member 24, 25. The vertical frame members 24, 25 are thenaligned with respect to the vertical and horizontal and with respect toone another and secured to the mounting brackets 110 via a plurality ofmechanical fasteners such as screws 120. The screws 120 are threadedthrough apertures 122 spaced along the length of the vertical framemembers 24 such that the screws 120 impinge upon the corresponding framemounting brackets 110. Self-tapping screws 120 may also be utilized. Asbest illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 4B, the spacing between the mountingbrackets 110 and the associated vertical frame member 23, 24 allows forboth vertical, horizontal and angular adjustment of the vertical framebracket 23, 24 with respect to the mounting bracket 110 subsequent tothe mounting bracket 110 being located within the channel 29, 29 a ofthe vertical frame member 23, 24. The adjustability of the verticalframe members 24, 25 with respect to the mounting brackets 110 prior totightening of the screws 120 allows the frame assembly 12 to be properlyaligned vertically, horizontally and angularly even when the workwallassembly 10 is installed on wall structures 14 that are uneven,out-of-plum, and the like. In the use position, the mounting brackets110 may be parallel to or in angled relationship to the vertical andhorizontal frame members 23, 24, 26. The screws 120 can impinge alongthe width of second portion 114 of the associated mounting bracket 110.The front faces of the vertical and horizontal frame members 22, 24, 26define a planar surface that is vertically and horizontally level. It isnoted that the apertures 122 which receive the screws 120 are locatedbetween the structural reinforcement ribs 44, thereby providingadditional structural support to the vertical frame member 24 proximatethe apertures 122. Each frame mounting bracket 110 is received within achannel 28 of a corresponding vertical frame member 24 such that theframe mounting bracket 110 is concealed from view subsequent toassembly. Once the screws 120 are installed to impinge upon the mountingbrackets 110, a screw 120 is inserted through the corresponding,vertical frame member 24, 25 such that it is received into an aperture117 of the mounting bracket 110, thereby vertically supporting theoverall frame assembly 12. It is noted that the vertical frame member24, 25 may be supported by the screw 120 and the aperture 117 prior totightening of the screws 120 that impinge upon the mounting brackets110. The elongation of the apertures 117 allow proper alignment of thescrew 120 with the aperture 117 even in applications wherein the wallstructure 14 is severely uneven or out of plum. The horizontal framemembers 26 are then secured to the vertical frame members 24, 25 via thecorner connectors assemblies 66 and the connector assemblies 97.

Each of the shelf assemblies 16, drawer assemblies 18 and storageassemblies 20 are supported between the vertical frame members 24, 25 atselective vertical positions via support members 124 (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4)that are telescopingly received within channel 30 of vertical framemembers 24 and channels 30 a, 32 a, of vertical frame members 25. Eachsupport member 124 is provided with a rectangular cross-sectionalconfiguration and includes a plurality of vertically-spaced threadedapertures 126 adapted to receive accessory supporting bolts therein, asdiscussed below. As best illustrated in FIG. 9, the support members 124are positioned within the channels 30, 30 a, 32 a such that theapertures are accessible via respective slots 31, 31 a, 46. It is notedthat each vertical run of the support members 124 may comprises asingle, integral support member 124, or a plurality of support members124 positioned in an end-to-end orientation, as illustrated in FIG. 9.

Each shelf assembly 16 (FIG. 10) includes a shelf member 128 supportedby a pair of shelf support brackets 130. Each shelf member 128 includesan upper shelf surface 132, a lower shelf surface 134 (FIG. 11), and apair of end surfaces 136. A cut-out or relief 138 extends forwardly froma rear edge 140 of the shelf member 128. The relief is configured toallow communication and power lines to be vertically routed through theworkwall assembly 10 between the rear edge 140 of the shelf member 128and the wall structure 14. A channel 142 extends inwardly from the endof the surfaces 136 and extends laterally across the shelf member 128.In the illustrated example, each shelf support bracket 130 (FIG. 12) hasan inverted L-shaped configuration and includes a mounting portion 144and a support portion 146 extending orthogonally from the mountingportion 144. The mounting portion 144 includes a hook-shaped mountingslot 148 and a pair of mounting apertures 150. An arm 152 extendsorthogonally inward from the support portion 146. In assembly, eachshelf support bracket 130 is secured to the shelf member 128 bypositioning the arm 152 of the shelf support bracket 130 into acorresponding channel 142 of the shelf member 128, and securing the arm152 therein by a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws 154that are received within apertures 156 of the shelf member 128 andapertures 158 of the arms 152. The shelf assembly 16 is mounted to theframe assembly 12 by positioning the mounting slots 148 of the supportbrackets 130 over shoulder bolts 160, previously secured within theapertures 126 of the associated support member 124, and aligning thebolts 160 within the hook-portion of the slots 148, the shoulder bolts160 allowing for float tolerancing of the supported elements. In thismanner the shelf assembly 16 is temporarily supported from the frameassembly 12 while the apertures 150 of the shelf support brackets 130are properly aligned with apertures 126 within the support members 124and secured thereto via additional bolts 160. The bolts 160 securedwithin the apertures 150 are also utilized to support out skins thereon,as described below. The brackets can be adjusted left/right on theshoulder bolts to account for manufacturing tolerance differences sothat the shelf is centered between the vertical/intermediate supports.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 13, the lower shelf surface 134 ofthe shelf member 128 includes a channel 62 that receives a recessedlight assembly 164 therein. The channels 142 located in the end surfaces136 of the shelf member 128 extend to a depth so as to provide a wirerouting gap 166 between the arm 152 of the shelf support bracket 130 andan innermost edge 168 of the channel 142, thereby allowing electricalwires 170 to be routed therethrough and provide power to the lightassembly 164 in a concealed manner.

In an alternative embodiment, a shelf assembly 16 b includes a shelfmember 128 b and a pair of shelf support brackets 130 b. Since the shelfassembly 16 b is similar to the previously-described shelf assembly 16,similar parts appearing in FIGS. 10 and 12 and FIGS. 14 and 15,respectively are represented by the same, corresponding referencenumeral, except for the suffix “b” in the numerals of the latter. Theshelf assembly 16 b is similar in construction to the shelf assembly 16with the main exception being the replacement of the inverted L-shapedshelf support brackets 130 of the shelf assembly 16 with the L-shapedshelf support brackets 130 b of the shelf assembly 16 b.

In yet another alternative embodiment, a two-shelf assembly 16 c (FIG.16) includes upper and lower shelf members 128 c supported by C-shapedshelf support brackets 130 c. Since the shelf assembly 16 c is similarto the previously-described shelf assembly 16, similar parts appearingin FIGS. 10 and 12 and FIGS. 16 and 17 are respectively represented bythe same, corresponding reference numerals except for the suffix “c” inthe numerals of the latter. The shelf assembly 16 c is similar inconstruction to the shelf assembly 16, with the most notable exceptionbeing the replacement of the inverted L-shaped shelf support brackets130 of the shelf assembly 16 with C-shaped shelf support brackets 130 cand the addition of a second shelf member 128 c.

Each drawer assembly 18 (FIGS. 18 and 19) includes an upper shelf member172 having an upper shelf surface 173 and a bottom shelf member 174supported from the support members 124 via a pair of support brackets178. The upper shelf member 172 and the bottom member 174 each include arelief 175 extending forwardly of a rear edge thereof. Each relief 175is configured to allow communication and power lines to be verticallyrouted through the workwall assembly 10 between the member 172, 174 andthe wall structure 14. The arms 180 of the support brackets 178 arereceived within channels 182 of the upper shelf member 172 and thebottom member 174 in a similar manner to the shelf support brackets 130and the shelf members 128 of the shelf assemblies 16, as describedabove. Each support bracket 178 includes a mounting slot 184 and amounting aperture 186 for supporting the support brackets 178 from thesupport members 124 via a plurality of bolts, similar to the supporttechnique utilized for supporting the shelf assemblies 16. The uppershelf member 172, the bottom member 174 and the support brackets 178cooperate to define an interior space 188 that receives a drawer 190therein. The drawer 190 is movable between a retracted position A,wherein the drawer 190 is located within the interior space 188, and anextended position B, wherein the drawer 190 extends outwardly from theinterior space 188. The drawer 190 includes a front wall 192, a rearwall 194, a pair of sidewalls 196 and a bottom wall 198. A faceplate 200is secured to a forward-facing surface of the front wall 192, therebyproviding an aesthetic cover to the same, and includes a notch handle202 therein. The drawer 190 is supported by a pair of telescoping drawerslide assemblies 203. It is noted that the support brackets 178 directlysupport the drawer 190 via the drawer slide assemblies 202 and directlysupport the upper shelf member 172 and the bottom member 174.

Each storage assembly 20 (FIGS. 20-22) includes an upper shelf member204 having a shelf surface 206, and a bottom member 208. The upper shelfmember 204 and the bottom member 208 each include a rectangularly-shapedrelief 210 extending forwardly from a respective rear edge thereof. Eachrelief 210 is adapted to allow communication and power lines to bevertically routed through the workwall assembly 12 between the members204, 208 and the wall structure 14. The upper shelf member 204 and thebottom member 208 are engaged by and supported by support brackets 212in a similar manner to the shelf member 128 and shelf support brackets130 of the shelf assemblies 16, as described above. Each of the supportbrackets 212 includes a mounting slot 218 and a mounting aperture thatreceive mounting bolts therein and serve to support the storage assembly20 from the support members 124, in a similar manner to the techniquedescribed above with respect to the shelf assembly 16 and the drawerassembly 18. The door 222 is mounted to the storage assembly 20 suchthat the door 222 is movable between a closed position C, wherein thedoor 222 covers the interior space 214, and an open position D, whereinthe door 222 is at least partially retracted within the interior space214 and allows a user access to the interior space 214. The door 222 ismovably secured to the overall storage assembly 20 via a pair of sideguide assemblies 224. Each side guide assembly 224 includes a guide pin226 secured to a rear surface of the door 222 at a distance spaced froma top edge of the door 222. The guide pin 226 is adapted to guide alonga guide bracket 228 as the door 222 is moved between the closed positionC and the open position D. The guide bracket 228 (FIG. 23) includes abody portion 230 that abuts the corresponding support bracket 212, a topflange 232 that is secured to a bottom surface 234 of the upper shelfmember 204 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners such as screws 236,and a bottom flange 238 that includes C-shaped stop portions located atopposite ends thereof, and which are adapted to prevent the pin 226 fromtraveling beyond the stop portions 240 as the pin 226 tracks along abottom surface of the bottom flange 238 during operation of the door222.

A center guide assembly 242 includes a front guide member 244 pivotablycoupled to the inner surface of the door 222 via a pair of hinges 246, arear guide member 248 fixedly secured to the bottom surface 234 of theupper shelf member 204 via a plurality of mechanical fasteners such asscrews 250, a first cross guide member 252 pivotably coupled at a firstend 254 to the front guide member 244 at a pivot point 256, and slidablyand pivotably coupled at a second end 258 to the rear guide member 248,such that the first cross guide member 252 guides along a slot 260within the rear guide member 248, and a second cross guide member 262pivotably coupled at a first end 264 to the rear guide member 248 suchthat the second cross guide member 262 pivots about a pivot point 266,and pivotably and slidably coupled at a second end 268 to the frontguide member 244, such that the second cross guide member 262 guidesalong a slot 270 of the second cross guide member 262. The rear guidemember 248 (FIG. 23) is provided with a Z-shaped cross-sectionalconfiguration, including a body portion 249, a bottom flange 251extending orthogonally from the body portion 249, and a top flange 253extending orthogonally from the body portion 249 in an oppositedirection from the lower flange 251.

In a first embodiment, the panel assembly 22 (FIG. 25) includes a skinmember 300 having a front aesthetic surface 302, a rear surface 304 anda pair of end surfaces 306. In the illustrated example, the skin member300 is provided an elongated rectangular configuration, however, othergeometrical configurations may be utilized. The panel assembly 22 alsoincludes a pair of support brackets 308 supporting the skin member 300from the frame assembly 12 via a plurality of mounting clips 310. Asbest illustrated in FIG. 26, each support bracket 308 includes anelongated mounting portion 312 having a pair of mounting apertures 314spaced along the length thereof, and an arm portion 316 extendinginwardly from the mounting portion 312. The arm portion 316 is S-shapedand includes a distally located, C-shaped mounting flange 318 extendingorthogonally forward from the arm portion. The arm portion 316 and theflange 318 extend along the length of the support bracket 308. Eachmounting clip 310 includes a pair of spring-biased arms 320, and issecured to the rear surface 302 of the skin member 300 via an associatedmounting screw 322. It is noted that the panel assembly 22 mayalternatively include a two-piece support bracket, wherein a firstportion of the bracket extends along an outer edge of the skin member,and a second portion secures the first portion to the supportingstructure.

In assembly, the support brackets 308 are secured to the mountingmembers 124 via mechanical fasteners such as bolts 324 received withinthe apertures 314 of the support brackets 308 and the apertures 126 ofthe mounting member 124. The skin member 300 is then removably securedto the support brackets 308 via the engagement of the mounting clips 310with the flanges 318 of the support brackets 308. It is noted that thepanel assembly 22 is configured to be positioned forwardly of thereliefs 138 (FIG. 10), such that the reliefs 138 are hidden from viewonce the panel assembly 22 is mounted to the frame assembly 22 inproximity to the associated shelf assembly 16.

In a second embodiment, the panel assembly 22 d (FIG. 27) is adapted tobe removably secured between any arrangement that includes a pair ofspaced apart shelving members, such as the arrangement illustrated inFIG. 16. The panel assembly 22 d includes a skin member 330 having afront aesthetic surface (not shown) and a rear surface 332. The skinmember 330 is supported between the shelf members 128 c via a pluralityof mounting clips 334 that releasably engage a plurality ofcorresponding mounting posts 336. The mounting clips 334 are similar inconfiguration and operation to the mounting clips 310, as describedabove. Each mounting post 336 extends downwardly from the bottom surface134 c of the upper shelf member 128 c or upwardly from the upper surface132 c of the lower shelf member 128 c, and is secured thereto by anassociated L-shaped bracket 338. Each bracket 338 is secured to the rearsurface 140 c of the corresponding shelf member 128 c via a pair ofmounting screws 340. In the illustrated example, the mounting post 336is weldably secured to the bracket 338, however, other suitable methodsof attachment may be utilized. Similar to the first embodiment of thepanel assembly 22, the second embodiment of the panel assembly 22 d isconfigured to be positioned forwardly of the reliefs 138 c of the shelfmembers 128 c, such that the reliefs 138 c are hidden from view once thepanel assembly 22 d is mounted to the frame assembly 22 in proximity tothe associated shelf assembly. Other support assemblies and brackets maybe attached to the frame assembly, such as tables, desks, and otherworksurfaces, privacy screens, monitors and the like.

The present inventive office workwall assembly includes a design thatmay be assembled and secured to an associated wall surface with standardtools by even relatively unskilled personnel. The workwall assembly isefficient in assembly, economical to manufacture, capable of a longoperating life, and particularly well adapted for the proposed use.Further, the workwall assembly is highly reconfigurable and allowssupported accessories such as shelves, bins, drawers, panel assembliesand the like, to be removed from, added to, or reconfigured with respectto the associated frame assembly, to provide an overall workwallassembly specifically tailored for particular applications. This isaccomplished by removing an accessory and replacing it with another.Depending on the spacing of the hook/holes on the accessory bracket. Itmay be necessary to move the shoulder bolts to different apertures.Alternatively, the shoulder bolts can be relocated and a same accessorymoved to a new location.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodimentsonly. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in theart and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it isunderstood that the embodiments shown in the drawings and describedabove are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit thescope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims asinterpreted according to the principles of patent law, including thedoctrine of equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An office workwall assembly, comprising: aframe assembly, comprising: at least a first and second vertical framemembers, each of the vertical frame members having a front face andincluding a longitudinally-extending channel in a rear face; at leastone horizontal frame member extending between and coupled to the firstand second vertical frame members, and at least a first and second framesupport brackets including a first portion adapted to be secured to awall structure, a second portion extending substantially orthogonal tothe first portion, and at least one attachment element, wherein thefirst and second portions are fixed with respect to one another; atleast a portion of the second portion of the first frame support bracketis secured along a vertical length in the channel of the first verticalframe member and at least a portion of the second portion of the secondframe support bracket is secured along a vertical length in the channelof the second vertical frame support member; a fastener engaging one ofthe vertical frame members and the corresponding one of the framesupport brackets at the at least one attachment element, wherein the atleast one attachment element is adapted to permit vertical, horizontal,and angular adjustment of the vertical frame member with respect to thecorresponding one of the frame support brackets; and a plurality ofattachments between each of the frame members and the frame supportbrackets, the plurality of attachments located along the second portionof each of the frame support brackets.
 2. The workwall assembly of claim1, wherein the frame assembly is planar and square.
 3. The workwallassembly of claim 1, wherein the attachment element is a slot, andwherein the fastener includes a mechanical fastener that engages theslot.
 4. The workwall assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality ofattachments include a plurality of fasteners which impinge on a sideface of the second portion of the first and second frame supportbrackets.
 5. The workwall assembly of claim 1, wherein the firstvertical frame member and the second vertical frame member are securedto their respective frame support brackets at at least a select one ofdifferent vertical, horizontal and angular positions from one another.6. The workwall of claim 1, further comprising an office utilityassembly operably coupled with and supported by the first and secondvertical frame members, wherein the office utility assembly iscantilevered from the frame assembly.
 7. An office workwall assembly,comprising: a frame assembly, comprising: a pair of vertical framemembers; at least one horizontal frame member extending between andoperably coupled to the pair of vertical frame members, wherein at leastone of a group comprising the pair of vertical frame members and the atleast one horizontal frame member includes at least onelongitudinally-extending channel; and at least one frame mountingbracket positioned within the at least one channel by at least onemechanical fastener , wherein the at least one mounting bracket issecured to a wall structure and supports the frame assembly from thewall structure, wherein the at least one frame member that includes theat least one frame mounting bracket positioned within the at least onechannel is adjustable in at least a select one of a vertical directionand a horizontal direction with the at least one frame mounting bracketpositioned within the at least one channel while the at least one framemounting bracket is positioned within the at least one channel by the atleast mechanical fastener; and an office utility assembly operablycoupled with and supported by the pair of vertical frame members,wherein the office utility assembly is cantilevered from the frameassembly; wherein the at least one mechanical fastener impinges on theat least one frame mounting bracket to secure the at least one mountingbracket within the at least one channel.
 8. The office workwall assemblyof claim 7, wherein the at least one frame mounting bracket includes afirst portion adapted to be secured to a wall structure, and a secondportion extending substantially orthogonal to the first portion, whereinthe second portion is secured within the at least one channel by the atleast one mechanical fastener.
 9. The office workwall assembly of claim8, wherein the at least one frame mounting bracket includes asubstantially T-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
 10. The officeworkwall assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one frame mountingbracket is concealed from view within the at least one channel.
 11. Theoffice workwall assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least one framemounting bracket is received within the at least one channel of the pairof vertical frame members.
 12. The office workwall assembly of claim 7,wherein the at least one channel includes a first channel that receivesthe at least one frame mounting bracket, and a second channel thattelescopingly receives at least one support member therein, the at leastone support member supports the office utility assembly from the frameassembly, and wherein the second channel is accessible from an exteriorof the frame member via a slot that extends along a length of the framemember.
 13. The office workwall assembly of claim 12, wherein the atleast one support member includes a plurality of apertures spaced alonga length thereof that are adapted to receive mechanical fastenerstherein which support the office utility assembly from the frameassembly.
 14. The office workwall assembly of claim 7, wherein theoffice utility assembly comprises a select one of a group comprising ashelving assembly, a storage assembly and a drawer assembly, and aworksurface assembly.
 15. The office workwall assembly of claim 7,wherein the office utility assembly comprises a shelving assembly thatincludes a shelf member supported from a pair of shelf support bracketsoperably coupled with the frame assembly and cantilevered therefrom. 16.The office workwall assembly of claim 15, wherein the shelf supportbrackets are adapted to selectively engage shelf support members atvarious vertical positions, and wherein the support members are receivedwithin corresponding vertical frame members.
 17. The office workwallassembly of claim 15, wherein each of the shelf support brackets issubstantially L-shaped.
 18. The office workwall assembly of claim 15,wherein the shelf member includes channels extending into opposing endsurfaces thereof, and wherein each of the shelf support brackets includea first portion operably coupled with the frame assembly and a secondportion extending substantially orthogonally from the first portion andreceived with one of the channels extending into the opposing endsurfaces of the shelf member.
 19. An office workwall assembly,comprising: a frame assembly, comprising: a pair of vertical framemembers each including a first longitudinally-extending channel and asecond longitudinally-extending channel; at least one horizontal framemember extending between and operably coupled to the pair of verticalframe members; a pair of frame mounting brackets each having a firstportion adapted to be secured to a wall structure and a second portionextending substantially orthogonal to the first portion and securedwithin the first channel of the vertical frame members by at least onemechanical fastener, wherein the first and second portions are fixedwith respect to one another; and a pair of support members telescopinglyreceived within the second channel of the vertical frame members, eachsupport member including a plurality of apertures spaced along a lengththereof that are adapted to receive mechanical fasteners therein; and anoffice utility assembly including a shelf surface and a pair of supportbrackets coupled with the shelf surface and operably coupled with andsupported by the mechanical fasteners received within the apertures ofthe pair of support members, wherein the office utility assembly iscantilevered from the frame assembly.
 20. The office workwall assemblyof claim 19, wherein the support brackets are adapted to selectivelyengage the support members at various vertical positions.
 21. The officeworkwall assembly of claim 19, wherein the office utility assemblycomprises a select one of a group comprising a shelving assembly, astorage assembly, a drawer assembly, and a worksurface assembly.
 22. Amethod of securing an office workwall assembly to a wall structure,comprising: providing a frame assembly, comprising: a pair of verticalframe members; at least one horizontal frame member extending betweenand operably coupled to the pair of vertical frame members, wherein atleast one of a group comprising the pair of vertical frame members andthe horizontal frame member includes at least onelongitudinally-extending channel; and at least one frame mountingbracket each having a first portion and a second portion extendingsubstantially orthogonally from the first portion, wherein the first andsecond portions are fixed with respect to one another; providing anoffice utility assembly including a shelf surface and a pair of supportbrackets coupled to the shelf surface; securing the first portion ofeach of the frame mounting brackets to a wall structure; aligning the atleast one of the frame members that includes the at least onelongitudinally-extending channel with the at least one mounting bracketby at least one mechanical fastener such that the second portion of theat least one mounting bracket is received within the at least onechannel of the at least one of the frame members that includes the atleast one longitudinally-extending channel; adjusting at least one of avertical position and a horizontal position of the at least one of theframe members with respect to the at least one mounting bracketsubsequent to the alignment of the at least one of the frame memberswith the at least one frame member that includes the at least onelongitudinally-extending channel; securing the at least one of the framemembers that includes the at least one longitudinally-extending channelto the at least one mounting brackets by a plurality of mechanicalfasteners; and supporting the office utility assembly from the frameassembly by operably coupling the pair of support brackets with the pairof vertical frame members.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein the stepof providing the frame assembly further comprises providing the at leastone channel as a first channel and second channel, and providing a pairof support members telescopingly received within the second channel ofthe vertical frame member, and wherein the step of supporting the officeutility assembly from the frame assembly includes attaching the pair ofsupport brackets to the support members via a plurality of mechanicalfasteners.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of providing theoffice utility assembly comprises selecting the office utility assemblyfrom a group comprising a shelving assembly, a storage assembly, adrawer assembly, and a worksurface assembly.